Ekahau Sidekick User manual

IMPORTANT
• Be sure to insert the USB connector appropriately to Sidekick unit. Do not apply excessive
force to avoid breaking the device.
• It is highly recommended to use only USB cable provided by Ekahau.
• Do not connect the device to any applications and tools other than those provided or explicitly
recommended by Ekahau.
• Do not use any other accessories other than those provided or explicitly recommended by
Ekahau.
ESK-1-UG-Rev4-EN / 20.8.2018
Ekahau Sidekick™
The world’s rst purpose-built site survey and troubleshooting device for Wi-Fi / WLAN / 802.11
networks.
Ekahau Sidekick™ is a purpose-built site survey device meant for walk-testing of the wireless
networks to design, validate, optimize or troubleshoot the Wi-Fi / WLAN / 802.11 networks. The device
is intended for receiving and measuring the RF spectrum on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands as well as
specically analyzing the signals from Wi-Fi access points. It is planned to be used together with other
Ekahau provided Wi-Fi tools and applications by connecting the device via USB cable to computers
and tablets.
Safety instructions - Read before use
CAUTION
• It is not permitted to use the device for anything else than what it is originally intended for.
• Do not immerse the device or the power supply under the water, even partially. There is a
risk of injury or death if not followed.
• Do not try opening or tampering the device mechanically. There is a risk of injury or death if
not followed. Warranty will be void if attempted.
• Do not try replacing the battery by yourself. It is not meant to be serviced by the user.
There is a risk of injury or death if not followed. Instead contact Ekahau support for more
information.
• Do not expose the device to the excess moisture, uids or liquids, heat, re, smoke or
corrosive substances. There is a risk of injury or death if not followed.
• Do not use or store the product in a high-temperature location, such as inside a car under
the hot sun. There is a risk of battery leakage or explosion, and thus injury or death, if not
followed.
• Use only power supply provided by Ekahau. Never exceed the maximum allowed input
rating of the power supply.
• Do not use the device as covered, or upside down for long periods, or when in enclosed
space, e.g. pocket or bag.
• Do not drop or break the device by hitting with hard objects. Do not let children or pets play
with the device.
Getting started
Content of the package
A. Sidekick unit
B. Carrying strap
C. Wall socket cable
D. Power supply
E. USB cable
Quick guide to functions
Device is switched o󰀨. Press shortly the power button to turn it on.
Device is switched on, but either getting ready or shutting down. Please wait until
the light stops blinking.
Device is switched on and ready to use. Press the power button to turn it o󰀨.
Status indicator
Device is either switched o󰀨, or it is on idle.
Device is connected via USB cable.
Device is performing Wi-Fi measurements.
Device is starting into factory rmware mode.
Battery is empty, please connect the power supply to charge it
before continuing.
Battery indicator
Device is switched o󰀨
Battery level close to full
Battery level moderate
Battery level low
Battery charging
Battery charging, level moderate
Battery charging, level low
Limited or no charging. The device should be turned o󰀨 for optimal charging.
Error in charging. Please contact Ekahau support if the issue persists.
Sidekick unit
F. Status indicator
G. Power button
H. Power indicator
I. USB connector
J Reset button
K. Power supply connector
L Battery indicator
M. USB cable holders
N. Carrying strap belt holders
How to start
1. Wear the device. Adjust the carrying strap length suitable for you.
2. Connect the USB cable to the device if not connected. Exercise caution when connecting. Do not
use excessive force.
3. Connect the other end of the USB cable to the laptop or tablet.
4. Switch on the Sidekick unit by pressing the power button. The power LED will start blinking green.
5. Start your Ekahau application the laptop or tablet. Find more information on how to use compatible
applications at docs.ekahau.com
6. Survey like there’s no tomorrow.
Charging
The device is shipped with the battery charged for storage purposes. You should charge the device to
full at your earliest convenience before use. To ensure fast charging, the unit should be charged when it
is not switched on. The cooler the device is, the faster it will be charged.
1. Turn o󰀨 the device.
2. Connect the power supply to the device.
3. Plug in the power supply to the mains power.
4. Observe the charging progress from the indicator.
IMPORTANT
Use only the power supply and its cables provided by Ekahau. Do not leave the device connected to
the power supply for unnecessarily long time.
Good to know
The device is meant primarily for indoor use. Recommended operating temperature range is +5
°C…+35 °C (+41 °F …+95 °F). If used in warmer or cooler environment, the operating time might be
signicantly reduced and the device might automatically shut down.
The device will get warm during use, as it is a powerful computing device. Especially the metallic parts
in the front cover might get very warm as their purpose is to dissipate the heat. This is normal and
expected. Avoid touching the warm parts unnecessarily if feeling uncomfortable.
Technical specications
Wi-Fi
Supported standards 2 x 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Dual band 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz (all regulatory domains)
Dynamic range -20…95 dBm
Spectrum analyzer
Frequency range 2400-2495 MHz, 5000 – 5950 MHz
39 kHz resolution
Dynamic range -20…-92 dBm
Speed 20 times per second (full frequency range)
Environment
Operating temperature +5 °C…+35 °C (+41 °F …+95 °F).
Storage temperature -20 °C…+60 °C (-4 °F …+140 °F).
Others
Battery 10.8V 6400 mAh
Usage time: 8+ hours
Charge time to 75%: 2 hours (depends on ambient
temperature)
DC input 24V / 2.7A
Connectivity USB 2.0 Micro-B
Storage 128 GB SSD
IMPORTANT
Do not use the device as covered, or upside down for long periods, or when in enclosed space, e.g.
pocket or bag. Proper air circulation around the front side of the device is important. If the device
heats up too much, it will automatically shut down itself.
IMPORTANT
Do not try hacking, alternating, modifying, copying, or reverse engineering of the Sidekick unit in
any ways. Do not try opening any of the screws in the device. Warranty will be void and you will be
considered a very bad boy / girl.
G
G
H
F
L
Power indicator

Australia
The product complies with all the requirements needed to carry Regulatory Compliance
Mark (RCM).
Japan
The product contains approved module with MIC ID: 209-J00078
Mexico
IFETEL: RCPEKEK18-1237.
European Union
Ekahau declares that Ekahau Sidekick™ is in conformity with the essential requirements
and other relevant requirements of the Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU.
Manufacturer Declaration of Conformity is available at www.ekahau.com/support.
The product with included parts meets the requirements of Directive 2011/65/EU on the restrictions of
the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. The product contains
RF transmitter on 2400-2480 MHz with maximum radiated power less than 10.0 dBm (e.i.r.p).
Use of this radio equipment is not allowed in the geographical area within a radius of 20 km from the
centre of Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard, Norway.
The device can be switched on in a special way so that it will fall back to factory settings and load the
factory provided version of the rmware. This might be benecial in case of some trouble e.g device
refusing to start due to failure with upgrading to the newer rmware. When the device is started in
factory mode, it permanently erases the recent upgraded rmware and resets to use the original rm-
ware version. As an indication of this special mode, the status indicator is blinking orange. To continue
the use of Ekahau applications you will likely need to upgrade the rmware again using your Ekahau
application, such as Ekahau Site Survey.
To boot up in the factory rmware mode, please press the power key and keep it pressed long enough
so that the status indicator starts blinking orange. At that moment, you can release power button and
the device will boot up to the factory rmware mode.
Quick troubleshooting
Device does not get charged.
• Make sure your power supply is properly connected.
• Make sure the device is not overheated by letting it cool down.
Device does not get switched on.
• Make sure the battery is charged.
• Make sure the device is not overheated by letting it cool down.
Device does not get connected to computer.
• Check the USB cable is properly connected, especially in the Sidekick unit.
• Check your USB cable is not broken. You may want to try with another cable.
• Make sure you have the latest Ekahau application, such as Ekahau Site Survey software
installed in your computer.
If everything else fails
• You may want to try Factory rmware mode (see above)
Please nd more troubleshooting hints from via www.ekahau.com/support.
Recycling and environmental information
Ekahau encourages owners of information technology (IT) equipment
to responsibly recycle their equipment when it is no longer needed.
The product contains a Li-ion battery which is not user replaceable. In case of need
to replace the battery, please contact Ekahau via www.ekahau.com/support.
Factory rmware mode
Compliance information
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment.
End users must follow the specic operating instructions for satisfying RF exposure compliance. This
transmitter meets both portable and mobile limits as demonstrated in the RF Exposure Analysis and
should not be used closer than 5 mm from a human body in portable conguration. This transmitter
must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter except in
accordance with FCC multi-transmitter product procedures.
Any changes or modications not expressly approved by Ekahau could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
The product contains FCC ID: QOQBT112.
Canada
This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to
the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept
any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
Under Industry Canada regulations, this radio transmitter may only operate using an antenna of a type
and maximum (or lesser) gain approved for the transmitter by Industry Canada. To reduce potential
radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its gain should be so chosen that the equivalent
isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than that necessary for successful communication.
The product contains IC: 5123A-BGTBT111.
Limited Warranty
All new Ekahau branded Hardware products carry a one-year limited warranty against defects in
materials and workmanship. The warranty terms and conditions are available online at the following
URL: http://www.ekahau.com/hardware warranty/
The Ekahau limited warranty covers Ekahau-branded hardware products only. It does not cover
Software, Services or third parties’ products and/or services.
Customer shall not be entitled to make any claim against Ekahau in respect of the breach of the
Ekahau limited warranty unless the claim is made within one (1) year following shipment. Ekahau shall
not accept any liability for loss of data caused by warranty service.
Legal notices
Ekahau and Ekahau Sidekick are trademarks or registered trademarks of Ekahau in the United States,
other countries, or both.
Service and Support information
Ekahau Inc.
1925 Isaac Newton Square E
Suite 200
Reston, VA 20190
Tel: 1-866-4EKAHAU (1-866-435-2428)
Fax: [phone]
Ekahau Europe
Jaakonkatu 5
00100 Helsinki, Finland
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
wi[email protected]
www.ekahau.com/support
Copyright © 2018 Ekahau, Inc. All rights reserved.
Maintenance and care
Ekahau Sidekick™ has no user maintainable parts. To clean your device, you may wipe it with soft
damp or dry cloth. If your device gets broken or requires other maintenance, please contact Ekahau
support at www.ekahau.com/support.